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Dr. Thomas Bensinger gives his views on why evaluation of the peripheral blood film is often not incorporated into the evaluation of hematology patients and offers solutions to remedy this glaring
deficiency.

Dr. DiMichele outlined the appropriate evaluation that should be performed at presentation. She also gave sound counsel concerning the young woman's request for combined hormonal oral contraceptive pills, an effective treatment for menorrhagia, but complicated in this patient by the family history of thrombophilia. The wise advice here was avoidance of risk factors. The comprehensive nature of Dr. DiMichele's reply is evidenced in her noting the importance of the psychosocial, or quality-of-life, consequences for adolescents who must face these issues.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Transfusion Medicine/Hemostasis Clinical Trials Network has opened a clinical trial to study the role of rituximab in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The Network was formed in 2002 as a consortium of 18 academic centers to provide opportunities for clinical research on uncommon hematologic disorders.

Earlier this year, the NHLBI convened a working group workshop on the roles of glycans in hemostasis, inflammation, and vascular biology. The Working Group Report has just been published in Glycobiology.

A greater part of the cost of medical care has shifted from insurance companies to the individual patient because of increases in co-pays and deductibles. A consequence of these increases is a change in patient behavior, which is rarely to his or her medical advantage.